News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

October 29, 2013

Kings coach Michael Malone was feeling a lot better about his team after Tuesday's practice.

Monday afternoon Malone was upset with what he saw from the Kings in terms of effort, focus and discipline.

"What we did yesterday was a wasted day and we can't afford that," Malone said.

Malone said Tuesday's practice was productive and even found something positive from a bad showing on Monday:

"John Salmons, unsolicited stepped up and said 'Coach can I say something.?' Chuck Hayes said 'Coach can I say something?' You have two guys that have been in the league for 12 years, 10 years and they said all the right things. I said that's when we have a chance to be great, when you start policing yourselves. I should not have to stop practice three times as a head coach. I'll do it and I have no problem doing it but you guys need to get on each other. You guys want to be leaders, you want to have the season we all talk about having? Well demand it from yourself and once you do that, start demanding it from your teammates. The fact that John and Chuck said something was great. Then I got a few texts from different players on the team last night apologizing. They were fully aware."

Malone said the Kings aren't good enough to have days that aren't productive

Malone is realistic with expectations for the season. He hasn't discussed the playoffs wit the Kings and has made all the talk about simply improving.

Malone sounds as if he's ready for the long process it will take before the Kings can talk about the playoffs:

"After yesterday's practice I thought the world was going to come to an end. I'm very hard on myself. I'm hard on my team. We have to be. This journey this process, yes we're going to have patience but we're not going to accept mediocrity. We're going to accept coming in the gym and going through the motions. That can't happen. And for us to build something special here which I really feel we can, I believe that this is a challenge but the reward is just as exciting for me. I love a challenge but l look down the road and see what this team can be and I can't wait to see that all come to fruition. And I think everybody will enjoy that journey and that process together."